​Inside Florida’s capybara cafe: Where big rodents, baby chicks and armadillos steal hearts

Capybaras are the stars at The Capybara Cafe in St. Augustine, Florida. These big, gentle rodents sit on laps, munch on corn, and enjoy scratches from visitors who often book months in advance for the experience. (Photo: AP)

Cafe owner Stephanie Angel says the goal is to make capybaras so relaxed they fall over from all the love. The animals are used to people and often climb into laps for attention and scratches. (Photo: AP)

Besides capybaras, visitors can meet a skunk, wallaby, armadillo, and even baby chicks. For $49, guests get a half-hour session, while $99 includes extra animal time. Blankets are placed on laps for comfort and cuddles. (Photo: AP)

Although she came for the capybaras, visitor Leah Macri liked holding the armadillo best, calling him the softest and sweetest. Her daughter also enjoyed the one-of-a-kind experience with animals she usually only saw online. (Photo: AP)

Capybaras are now the latest “it” animal in the U.S., following trends like sloths, axolotls, and hedgehogs. Last holiday season, shoppers could buy capybara-themed robes, slippers, and bath bombs, showing their growing popularity. (Photo: AP)

Stephanie Angel plans to open a second Capybara Cafe in St. Petersburg soon. The cafe supports Noah’s Ark Sanctuary, a local animal refuge, and sells capybara-themed gifts like mugs, plushies, and T-shirts. (Photo: AP)